Strictly Come Dancing: Lacey Turner confirmed as first 2026 celebrity contestant - BBC News

• Bill Maher will be honored with the Mark Twain Award for American Humor at the Kennedy Center on June 28. • Guest speakers for the event will include John Mellencamp, Woody Harrelson, and Whitney Cummings.

• Hawaii celebrates King Kamehameha Day every June to honor the legacy of King Kamehameha I, the ruler who first united the islands. • Festivities include traditional floral parades, lei draping ceremonies, hula performances, and music to commemorate the king's contributions.

• Public broadcasters from Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland, and Slovenia withdrew from the Eurovision 2026 contest in Vienna. • The boycott was triggered by the decision to allow Israel to participate in the competition.

• The BBC has announced the cancellation of the upcoming *Doctor Who* Christmas special following a period of "careful consideration." • Showrunner Russell T Davies has also confirmed his departure from the series, marking a significant leadership change for the long-running sci-fi drama.

• A new analysis explores the connections between every nation qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the Eurovision Song Contest. • While Mexico has never competed as a primary participant, it has been featured in Switzerland's 1963 entry "Einmal in Mexico" and within Spain's "Benidorm Fest" selection process.

• Bulgaria won the 70th Eurovision Song Contest for the first time, with Dara's song "Bangaranga" taking first place and Israel finishing second. • Total viewership dropped to 131 million, a decrease of 35 million from the previous year.

• Music critics have released a curated list of the best albums from the first half of 2026, spanning various genres across the pop spectrum. • Featured artists include Thundercat, who is noted for his "all-star funk," and Kacey Musgraves, whose work focuses on themes of solitude.

• The 2026 MIXX Awards Europe are now open for entries, marking the 15th edition of the awards. • The awards, themed "Once In, Always In. Made to Belong. Built to Last", will take place on 9th June 2026, in Brussels, Belgium.

• A model has accused rapper Kanye West of choking her during a music video shoot, stating she felt "suffocated and scared" during the incident. • West has denied any wrongdoing, claiming the encounter was intended as a "provocative theatrical performance" rather than an act of violence.

• BBC Countryfile presenter and Cotswold farmer Adam Henson has shared his perspective on the popular series *Clarkson’s Farm*. • Henson expressed support for the show, stating he is a fan of any project that helps educate the British public and consumers about farming culture.

• A group of young boys and teens are honoring Elvis Presley's legacy through themed performances featuring jumpsuits, wigs, and dance moves. • Disney+ and Hulu are providing home streaming access to the Bonnaroo music festival, featuring performances by The Strokes, Noah Kahan, Skrillex, and RÜFÜS DU SOL.